Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The Ministry of Health welcomed Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku‘aho and Mayor Webster Lincoln of East Palo Alto, California, USA, to Vaiola Hospital on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties and cooperation between Tonga and the United States.
The distinguished delegation was received by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Reynold ‘Ofanoa, together with members of the Ministry’s Senior Leadership Team.
During their visit, the delegation toured key areas of Vaiola Hospital, including the Dental Department, Laboratory Section and Paediatric Ward, providing an opportunity to observe health services and engage with staff.
The visit also highlighted the continuing Sister City Partnership between the City of East Palo Alto, California, and the Kolofo’ou District of the Kingdom of Tonga, with both communities working to build meaningful cooperation and initiatives of mutual benefit.
Following the hospital visit, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Public Enterprises hosted a luncheon in honour of the delegation. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise the importance of the partnership and discuss continued collaboration between the two communities.
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Enterprises expressed their appreciation for the visit, emphasising the value of continued people-to-people connections and cooperation between the Kingdom of Tonga and the United States of America.
